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NAC chief to rebels: Apply for amnesty

MANILA, Philippines — Saying that the government amnesty program is a “benevolent act,” National Amnesty Commission (NAC) chairperson Leah Tanodra-Armamento urged all qualified former rebels to avail themselves of the program. “I would like to call on all members of the groups that have been proclaimed by the President who are qualified to apply for amnesty, to avail of this benevolent act of the President because it may not come again. So,...

World leaders react to Labour's sweeping victory in UK election

(Reuters) -Keir Starmer will be Britain's next prime minister after his centre-left Labour Party won a huge majority in a parliamentary election, defeating Rishi Sunak's Conservatives and ending their 14 years of often tumultuous rule. Here are some reactions to the news: BRAZILIAN PRESIDENT LUIZ INACIO LULA DA SILVA, ON X: "I'd like to salute Keir Starmer, the new Prime Minister of the United

Police arrest five men after woman's body discovered in bungalow

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene after officers were called to an address in Radiant Road in Thurncourt, Leicestershire, at 6am yesterday.

Trillanes files P6.6 billion plunder complaint vs Duterte, Go

MANILA, Philippines — Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV filed a plunder complaint against former president Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Bong Go before the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday.? “This is about the government projects, totaling P6.6 billion, which were awarded to the father and sibling of Bong Go. All the elements of a plunder charge are present in this case,” Trillanes said in an interview.? Citing Commission on Audit records,...

These areas hold possible Chinese spy bases in Cuba

Hundreds protest against fuel price hikes in Ecuador

Quito, Ecuador — Hundreds of workers, teachers and students protested in Ecuador’s capital on Thursday against fuel price rises ordered by President Daniel Noboa in a bid to save government money spent on subsidies. Chanting “Out, Noboa, out!” and holding signs reading “Gasoline goes up, everything goes up,” the demonstrators marched to the presidential headquarters in Quito, which was guarded by police and military personnel. In June, Ecuador’s...

P4P asks Marcos to probe ERC ‘passivity’ amid power rate hikes

METRO MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should look into the “passivity” of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) in stopping power price hikes and its delays in conducting regulatory rate reset for distribution utilities and investigations of power supply agreements (PSAs). The People for Power Coalition (P4P) made the recommendation in a complaint letter sent to the president. In a statement issued on Friday, P4P said...

Remedies against charging multiple crimes in single complaint

Dear PAO, I saw the news about a case involving X, who faces accusations of sexual abuse. It appears that although only one complaint was filed by the prosecutor, X is charged with two crimes within the same complaint. A foreign friend said that such a practice is prohibited in their country. Do we have the same "rule"? I'm seeking clarity on our laws because I'm concerned about fairness for X in this situation. Is there a remedy available to...

Three Black Sea countries launch new minesweeping force

PNP: No info on possible SONA threats

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday that they had not detected any security threats for the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. President Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his 3rd SONA on July 22. According to PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, the PNP is still making refinements on traffic management plans to minimize inconvenience to the public. "As for the SONA, we haven't received any threats,...

Countermeasures against Chinese 'aggression' in WPS

Last of two parts THIS article presents the second half of proposed countermeasures against Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The Philippines has exhausted the utility of filing diplomatic protests against China, which have proven largely ineffective in deterring further incursions. The previously discussed countermeasures form part of the "porcupine" strategy, a military and geopolitical approach typically employed by smaller...

Meralco to send Pinoy nuclear engineers to US, China

MANILA, Philippines — Manuel V. Pangilinan’s Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is sending the pilot batch of scholars under its Filipino Scholars and Interns On Nuclear Engineering (Fission) program to the US and China. The five Fission scholars will participate in a two-year program at partner institutions abroad, with two heading to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the US and three going to Harbin Engineering University in China....

Thief caught taking phone in Cebu City mall, says sorry to victim

CEBU CITY, Philippines — A man, who was caught grabbing a phone inside a woman’s bag at an arcade inside a shopping mall in Cebu City, reportedly apologized to the victim who caught him in the act before giving it back. The failed theft attempt happened inside a shopping mall in Brgy. Mabolo, Cebu City on Thursday afternoon, July 4, 2025. The incident was captured on video by one of the victims, who then posted it online to raise awareness. READ...

Two arrested on suspicion of murder after stabbing

Police say a 19-year-old man and a 20-year-old man remain in custody.

PH history: More focus on this, Marcos orders new DepEd chief

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. said on Friday that he told incoming Education Secretary Senator Sonny Angara to include more subjects about Philippine history in the current education curriculum. Marcos, on the sidelines of an assistance distribution event in Sulu, said “The one thing I asked of him was to please teach our children Philippine history. Because I have seen my children’s workbooks, and there’s...

PNP warns against 'warrant of arrest' scams

The Philippine National Police warned against the recent proliferation of text scams that threaten recipients with lawsuits and arrests. According to a 24 Oras report by Emil Sumangil on Friday, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group called the new ploy a “warrant of arrest” scam. The texts often claim that recipients have existing cases for which they will be arrested. Some texts feature officer names, PNP offices, and the words “warrant” and...

AFP warns of China influencing education, business, LGUs, media

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has warned of China's "united front works" aimed at influencing Philippine sectors such as those in education, business, local governments, and the media. According to Joseph Morong's report on "24 Oras," AFP chief of staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said the aim was to degrade the value system and divide the Filipinos. “One way of fighting really without firing a single shot is to infiltrate into the various...

Thumb-bite Deliveroo rider given suspended sentence

Jeniffer Rocha attacked a customer in an argument over a pizza delivery in 2022.

Russian opposition figure Kara-Murza transferred to prison hospital, wife says

(Reuters) - Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza, who is currently serving a 25-year jail sentence for treason, has been transferred to a prison hospital, his wife Evgenia said in a post on X on Friday. The 42-year-old Moscow-born Kara-Murza, who has both Russian and British passports, was jailed last year after he repeatedly condemned Russia's war in Ukraine and lobbied for Western

Marcos OKs Jolo airport development

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos ordered yesterday the immediate implementation of the P100-million Jolo airport development project to further spur economic activities in Sulu province. The President issued the directive during the distribution of assistance to farmers and fisherfolk affected by El Niño in Patikul town. “Along with our distribution of aid is the good news about our push for the Jolo airport development project,” the...

Protesters should not inconvenience public during SONA – PNP chief

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil urged activists not to inconvenience the public when they hold their rallies during the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Marcos, saying city roads are not for anyone’s exclusive use. Marbil vowed police officers will exercise maximum tolerance in dealing with anti-government demonstrators expected to jam the stretch of Commonwealth...

Letby receives a further whole-life order for baby murder bid

Child serial killer nurse Lucy Letby has been sentenced to another whole-life order for the attempted murder of a baby girl. Earlier this week, Letby, 34, was found guilty at Manchester Crown Court of the attack on the newborn infant during a night shift at the Countess of Chester Hospital's neonatal unit in February 2016.

30 illegal things nearly every American has done

So you don't steal or murder or light things on fire, but you're not as innocent as you think! Approximately 70% of the US population has done something that could've landed them in jail, according to The Infographics Show. Are you part of that population? Click through this gallery to find out.

PCG sends Virgin of Antipolo to Pag-asa Island

MANILA, Philippines — There is hope in prayer for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which is invoking the intercession of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage for the easing of tension with China and helping the Philippines “overcome challenges” to its sovereignty. PCG head chaplain Fr. Lowie Palines yesterday celebrated mass at the Antipolo Cathedral – also called the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage – where he called on...

Husband admits strangling wife to death with bootlace

Michael McDaid, 60, pleaded guilty to killing wife Rachel at her Nottingham home. He strangled Rachel, 53, with his boot lace and she was discovered by their son.

Muslims to celebrate Islamic New Year on July 7

THE National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) said that the Amun Jadid, or Islamic New Year, will be observed on Sunday, July 7. Al-Hijra marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year and falls on the first day of the month of Muharram in the Islamic lunar calendar. Since the lunar cycle determines the Islamic New Year, its date varies yearly and does not always align with the Gregorian calendar. Al-Hijra commemorates the Hijra, which...

Philippine public diplomacy and China's conduct in the South China Sea

First word TRADITIONALISTS distinguish between a foreign policy based on values and a foreign policy based on interests. They describe as vital those interests that would directly affect national security and thus merit the use of force. National strategic interests are vital because if we fail to protect them, our very survival would be at stake. If there is one area where Manila is outsmarting Beijing in the contest for support and...

DENR plan to void Masungi pact a threat to environment, says lawmaker

MANILA, Philippines — ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said the plan of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to cancel a deal on the protection of Masungi Georeserve is a threat to the ecosystem. According to Castro, the DENR’s plan to void the memorandum of agreement (MOA) it entered into with Masungi Georeserve Foundation Inc. (MGFI) in 2017 through then-environment secretary Gina Lopez will open the area to...

9th BCM between PH and China: Diplomacy moving forward

LAST July 2, I was interviewed on the SMNI program "Nightline News," hosted by MJ and Admar, on many crucial issues related to the country's dispute with China over the South China Sea. I was asked about the impact of the ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China over the SCS dispute, particularly concerning our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in mainland China, Macau and Hong Kong. I also discussed my views on the 9th Bilateral...

4-year-old boy found dead in river laid to rest in Talisay

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The boy who met his untimely demise after falling into a river in Brgy. Inayawan, Cebu City on Sunday, June 30, has been laid to rest less than a week after his passing. He was only four years old. The boy’s funeral was held at the Cansojong Public Cemetery in Talisay City, Cebu on Friday, July 5. READ MORE: Cebu Daily Newscast: Cebu City accident: Boy’s ‘basketball date’ with pa ends in tragedy Cebu City accident: Boy’s...

MARINA to shipping firms: Avoid sailing through conflict zones

MANILA, Philippines — To prevent more Filipino seafarers from being endangered, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) will appeal to shipping firms to prevent their ships from sailing in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The agency would “appeal to the international community in urging shipping lines to avoid passing through conflict zones such as the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, following several attacks by Houthi rebels,” MARINA said in a...

Octogenarian, son-in-law killed in Maguindanao gun attack

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Gunmen shot dead an 80-year-old woman and her son-in-law in a daytime attack on Thursday in Barangay Poblacion, Ampatuan town in Maguindanao del Sur. Brig. Gen. Prexy Tanggawohn, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region police director, cited an Ampatuan police report yesterday that identified the victims as farmer Kael Nandang and his mother-in-law, Kalmo Butatek, 80. Tanggawohn said Nandang and Butatek were in their front yard...

Marcos orders drafting of nomad visa directive

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to issue an executive order (EO) to implement nomad visas immediately without tax incentives, a tourism advisory body said on Friday. The Private Sector Advisory Council-Tourism Sector Group (PSAC-TSG) said it had recommended the move during a meeting with the President on Wednesday. The tax incentives that could lead to increased take-up of the nomad visas can follow via a related bill to be passed by...

DA to start mass trial of ASF vaccine

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture will start the mass trial of the vaccine against African swine fever (ASF), as the DA expects the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve its commercial distribution in the country this month. “This (mass trial) is a big development in our campaign (against ASF)… We hope that within this year (the trials will be completed) so that we will no longer have problems with ASF,” DA Assistant...

Chinese nabbed for kidnap of compatriot

Over casino debt MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese man was nabbed after detaining a fellow Chinese who could not pay his debt incurred in a Manila casino. Song Peng Ren, 35, also known as Luo Jie, was allegedly behind a group that kidnapped another Chinese man named Jun Cheng. A Chinese witness who knew the victim sought help from the Manila Police District and reported that Jun was “detained and forcibly taken” from a casino operated by Song at...

Rapist who attacked women and children jailed

Peter Barnes is a "manipulative predator" who targeted children as young as nine, the CPS says.

Who was Lord Mountbatten and why was he assassinated?

Lord Mountbatten was a close relative of the British royal family, an officer in the British Royal Navy, and later in life the British Viceroy of India and its first Governor-General. He was the father of Patricia Knatchbull and Lady Pamela Hicks, as well as a mentor to Prince Phillip and then-Prince Charles. On August 27, 1979, Lord Mountbatten was killed by an IRA (Irish Republican Army) bomb, which accelerated growing tensions between England and Northern Ireland. If you're curious about the life of this British noble and are keen to discover why he was targeted by the IRA, click through the gallery to find out.

Boy is killed when he is hit by a bus as police make appeal

Emergency services attended the A600 High Road in Shortstown, near Bedford, but the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.

Man jailed 40 years after sexually assaulting girls

David James' crimes occurred in Gloucestershire between March 1976 and March 1980.

History's most famous examples of parricide

Parricide is a form of murder that refers to the killing of a parent, whether it be the mother, father, or both. A study conducted in 2019 revealed that parricide is the least common type of murder. The rarity of these incidents could explain why they receive such extensive media coverage and are incredibly chilling. Typically, this unusual crime is committed by white males with no prior criminal record. Female perpetrators of parricide are exceptionally rare, but there are a few instances documented on this disturbing list. To explore more about these terrifying crimes where parents were tragically murdered by their own offspring, simply click through the gallery.

China blames PH after demand for P60 M damages from Ayungin incident

MANILA, Philippines — “The Philippine side should face the consequences of its own action.” These were the words of Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning after she was asked whether or not China would pay P60 million to the Philippines following the June 17 incident at Ayungin Shoal, where Chinese personnel wounded a Filipino sailor and damaged the Philippines’ naval equipment. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen....

Kin of Geneva Lopez, boyfriend seek NBI assistance in search

The relatives of missing beauty pageant contestant Geneva Lopez and fiancé Yitshak Cohen approached the National Bureau of Investigation for assistance in searching for the missing couple two weeks after their disappearance. According to a 24 Oras report by Oscar Oida on Friday, Cohen’s brother, Yaniv, and Lopez’s sister visited the NBI headquarters. Yanic said that his brother did not mention any sort of threat or danger to his life during...

Two people bailed in funeral home inquiry

A 54-year-old woman and a 46-year old man were arrested on suspicion of various fraud offences.

Cannibalism and massacres: The dark history of the Oregon Trail

The Oregon Trail connected the Missouri River in the east to the Oregon valleys in the west. From 1841 to 1869, approximately 350,000 people set out on the trail, and an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 lost their lives while doing so. There would be no America as we know it today without the Oregon Trail, and in this gallery we bring you the highlights of its (quite dark) history. Click through to learn more.

HEADLINES: China denies aiming missiles at PH targets | July 6, 2024

Good day. Here are the stories for The Manila Times for Saturday, July 6, 2024. Today's episode is brought to you by Wilcon Depot, The Philippines' leading home improvement and construction supplies retailer—your Trusted Building Partner. READ: China denies aiming missiles at PH targets CHINA has said that it does "not pose a threat" to the Philippines as it refuted claims by Sen. Imee Marcos that Chinese missiles were aimed at targets in the...

Speaker orders full probe into illegal POGO activities

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives will investigate illegal activities involving Philippine offshore gaming operators or POGOs. Based on a directive from Speaker Martin Romualdez, the chamber will examine thoroughly the various criminal activities, including money laundering, human trafficking and other offenses allegedly committed by these illegitimate gaming hubs. “We cannot allow these rogue POGO operators to persist in their...

Jersey Chief Minister sits in the BBC hot seat

Lyndon Farnham talks to the BBC about public sector redundancies and the new hospital at Overdale.

Amos apologizes for sudden exit

MANILA, Philippines — Mason Amos apparently did not inform the Ateneo Blue Eagles of his departure from their nest. In the aftermath of that decision that shook the Katipunan-based crew and the entire collegiate scene, Amos issued an apology for his actions that could have been “handled better.” “It’s been a tough week with a decision I made due to my reasons. However, my actions were unacceptable and not called for,” posted the 19-year-old...

Famous people who were executed

Capital punishment, also known as the death penalty, can be defined as the state-sanctioned practice of executing a person as punishment for an actual or supposed crime. Although the death penalty is now illegal in most countries, this was not always the case. Indeed, there are many historical cases, some more recent than others, of prominent figures being executed. Intrigued? Check out this gallery to find out which famous figures from history received the ultimate sentence.

K-12 adjustments considered to boost SHS grads employability – Marcos

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday said several changes in the K-12 curriculum of the Department of Education (DepEd) are being considered to improve the employability of senior high school (SHS) graduates. According to Marcos, the K-12 curriculum failed to increase the employability of SHS graduates when it was the ultimate goal for its implementation. “Ginawa natin ‘yung K-12 dahil hinahanap ang years of training sa...